Young archeology dig site supervisor Linda Tassel and assistant Tad Gist explore the artifacts of ancient artisans of Linda's Eastern Cherokee homeland. But soon the body of a team member is found at Linda's site.
A a dam building mogul, a group of Cherokee Nation activists who oppose disturbing the ancient burial site, and the owner of a nearby gold panning attraction all have their reasons that might have led to murder.
Linda and Tad uncover another layer — that of the Spanish conquistadors and the timeless greed for gold. Linda must solve the mystery before she and Tad become two more victims.